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Demonstration Performance of Newly Organized Moranbong Band Enjoyed

Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, First Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, on July 6 enjoyed a demonstration performance given by the newly organized Moranbong Band.

Among the audience were senior officials of the WPK and the army, including Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Thaek and Kim Ki Nam, and officials of literature and the art, the media and art educational institutions, creators, artistes, writers and journalists. Kim Jong Un personally organized the Moranbong Band. The repertoire of the performance divided into two parts included Korean and foreign light music songs. At the end of the performance Kim Jong Un waved back to the enthusiastically cheering performers and audience. He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the creators and artistes of the band staged a performance high in ideological and artistic value by displaying revolutionary creative spirit. He congratulated them on their successful demonstration performance and extended thanks of the Supreme Commander of the KPA.

Repeatedly appreciating the performance as the one giving impetus to the revolution and construction, a stirring and fresh one reflecting the breath of the times and the one which reached a new phase in its contents and style, he gave an instruction on giving the performance on the occasion of the V-Day. He underscored the need to steadily develop the traditional music and popular music in a balanced way to suit the thoughts and feelings of the Korean people and their aesthetic taste while meeting the demands of the times and the people’s aspiration and to develop the music and art of the country onto the world level.

The President’s Worry

One deep summer night in 1965 an official of the Hydro-meteorological Service, who was putting together all information of weather changes, received a phone call from President Kim Il Sung.At the time, worrying about the unprecedentedly long spell of severe drought that year, the President had often called the service to learn about weather changes.

Referring to the cloudy sky, he asked the official where the low pressure was travelling from. Hearing the depression was coming from Neimenggu, China, he, after a while, said, “I’m sorry it is not from the south.” Then he asked again if the depression could affect all the Korean peninsula. Actually, the depression was so weak that it could reach no farther than the central area of the peninsula. Learning it, the President fell silent for a while, and then said in a quiet and gloomy voice, “It’s a difficult situation.” The official realized that the President was quite worried about something, but did not know what it was. Now the President said, “It’s a pretty pass that the depression can reach no farther than the central area of the peninsula. I’m afraid our compatriots in the south couldn’t have a good harvest.” Though it was likely to rain in the north after severe drought, the President was worrying about the compatriots in south Korea.

Three Principles of National Reunification

The three principles, which were made public in 1972, form the fundamental cornerstone for reunification of the Korean nation as they represent the basic standpoint and method by which to reunify the country with the nation’s own efforts in accordance with its will and in its interest.

The prevailing situation in the Korean peninsula in the early 1970s urgently demanded radical measures be taken to avoid the danger of perpetual division and to reunify the country on the principle of independence. Fully aware of the demand, President Kim Il Sung, in his speech made in August 1971, set forth the policy on north-south negotiation that manifested his readiness to meet any south Korean political parties and organizations including the ruling Democratic Republican Party as well as any individual figures in the south at any time.

As a result, the preliminary talks were opened for full-dress talks between the north and south Korean Red Cross Societies in September 1971, making a crevasse in the ice between the north and the south, and later they developed into high-level political talks. In his conversation with the south Korean delegates to the high-level political talks, the President articulated the three basic principles for national reunification: he reunification question should on all accounts be settled independently without foreign interference and peacefully, on the principle of promoting great national unity. The south Korean delegates and ruler at that time gave their blanket consent to these principles. Thus, a joint statement with the principles of independence, peaceful reunification and great national unity as its gist was issued on July 4, 1972.

Independence is the main standpoint that should be maintained with all consistency in the reunification movement. Every nation has a right to shape its destiny in conformity with their independent will and desire. Korean reunification is a matter of the Korean people for their national sovereignty. Therefore, the Koreans, as the main driving force in the reunification movement, should reunify their country with their own efforts and carry out their independent will and desire.The basic way for reunification is to reunify the country peacefully.

The Koreans suffer immeasurably from national division, but they never want to seek conflict in achieving reunification. Although there have existed differences in ideology and system for more than half a century between the north and the south, they must follow a peaceful way on the strength of the unity of the whole nation, transcending the differences. The principle of great national unity is the fundamental guarantee for independent and peaceful reunification. ational reunification is the cause to connect the broken vein of the nation and to achieve national unity. Thus the unity of the nation itself is reunification, the long-cherished desire of all Koreans. The vitality of the three principles is to be fully verified in the June 15 Joint Declaration adopted in 2000.

Visit to Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, First Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, visited the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum on July 8. Looking round the historic relics and materials displayed in several halls, he said it was a miracle of history that the army and people of the DPRK defeated the US-led armed aggressors of 16 countries and the south Korean puppet army and won a brilliant victory in the Fatherland Liberation War under the wise guidance of President Kim Il Sung.

He noted that the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War can be said, in a word, to be a victory in ideology, strategy and tactics and mental strength. Under the guidance of the WPK and the leader the service personnel and people of the DPRK became a heroic army and a heroic people who defeated the US imperialist aggressors for the first time in the world by performing imperishable feats and winning a great victory in the Fatherland Liberation War, he said, underscoring the need for posterity to creditably inherit and carry forward the exploits performed by the elder generations and their fighting spirit. He stressed the need to improve the management and operation of the museum and renovate it in a modern style. He expressed his expectation and belief that the officials and lecturers of the museum would, in the future, too, discharge their honourable duty with credit.

Field Guidance to Pyongyang Airport

Kim Jong Un, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, First Chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, gave field guidance to Pyongyang Airport.

He went round the outside and inside of the newly-built Terminal 1.He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that soldier-builders completed the project in a modern style in a short span of time.He was briefed on Terminal 2 to be built before giving important instructions for building Pyongyang Airport as required by the new century.

The airport should be built on the highest level as it is a monumental edifice of ever-lasting value, he said, repeatedly underscoring the need to ensure the quality of the planned project.He then looked round passenger plane No. 633 and plane No. 535 used by President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.He got aboard plane No. 633 to acquaint himself in detail with the technical specifications and operation of the plane.Aboard plane No. 535, he learned in detail about the use of the plane by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Iland gave an instruction for its preservation, management and operation. The plane had been presented to the President by the former Soviet party and government in September 1958.

Celebrations of Diplomatic Relationship between Nepal and Russia

Kathmandu : The 56th anniversary of the Diplomatic relationship between Nepal and Russia to be celebrated at the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Kathmandu July 20 Nepal-Russia Friendship and Cultural association together with the Russian Center of Science and Culture is organizing the celebration of the 56th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Russia and Nepal, that is to be held at the RCSC, Kamalpokhari.

The relations between the two countries at present are passing through a period of promising reinvigoration and search for new opportunities.

Nepal-Russia relations are moving ahead in a very conducive favourable environment. This year is remarkable for our joint efforts in accelerating the development of bilateral cultural ties with inauguration of a high-profile exhibition on Buddhism in Russia which opened up still largely unknown here facets of Russian civilizational tradition and our cultural heritage, and eventual signing of the MoU between the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation on Cultural Cooperation on July 6, 2012 in Kathmandu.

In terms of cooperation between business communities of the two countries a high-level group of our industrialists and trade people is scheduled to visit Kathmandu this autumn and have some interaction here on the basis of a memorandum signed in Moscow in July last year between the Russian Chamber of Trade and Nepal's Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries.

Our cooperation in the field of education continues, including through providing scholarships of the Russian Government to those willing to receive higher education in a number of professional fields of relevance to development of Nepalese society and economy.

It is gratifying to realize that our two countries have been successfully cooperating for 56 years by now and there is no doubt that our relationship has a perspective future.

Child abuse laws to be strengthened

Concerned by the rising number of child abuse incidents in the country, the government has taken measures to implement a broad program to control child abuse. The program will be implemented from the first of next month for a period of three months covering the entire island Commissioner of the Department of Probation and Childcare services Mrs. Yamuna Perera said. The government will conduct awareness programmes in schools, Dhamma schools and private classes to enlighten the children and the society on the disastrous effects of child abuse on victims and how to recognize the abuses. According to the Department of Probation and Child Care Services over 90,000 children Island wide have become vulnerable to various abusive situations.

These vulnerable children are at a high risk of being subjected to sexual abuse, the Commissioner noted. The number of children being sexually abused and put into probationary care has increased, she added. However, these children have been identified and necessary measures have been taken for their protection, the Commissioner added. Mrs. Perera further said that the distancing of the relations between the parents and the children as well as inappropriate receipt of sexual education have mainly contributed to the escalation of child abuses. She added that most children who have been abused are ignorant of what has happened to them or how to avoid it.

Major developments in port sector

There will be a six-lane road connectivity from the Southern Highway to the oil pipeline in Hambantota up to Kataragama, under a project embarked by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). According to the Director Technical, SLPA Datta Gunasekera Sri Lanka Ports Authority has embarked on three key development projects recently to increase the capacity in three ports namely Colombo South, Hambantota and Oluvil, while a sum of Rs. 575 Million had been invested for Colombo South harbour and Rs 368 Million for Hambantota.

Addressing the India Shipping Summit 2012 yesterday (July 12) he said that the Hambantota Port could cater to the import and export business once completed and four value addition industries too will be set up following this process. The Colombo South harbour has space for 3 container terminals and the 5.1 Km long main breakwater was the single largest breakwater undertaken so far by the SLPA. Roads between terminals will be widened with an investment of Rs 15.5 Million. The construction will commence mid next year and will be fully operational by 2016. In order to fulfill certain shortages, the Colombo Port has to commence work on the south container terminal by 2016 and west terminal after 2020.

Meanwhile, the east terminal was scheduled to commence work in the near future. The SLPA has insisted that the oil pipeline carrying crude oil, has to be totally replaced at an additional cost of US$ 18 Million, which was progressing smoothly. The investment on the Oluvil Port to the value of 40 Mn Euro, will be completed by August 2012. The port will have modern facilities for fish processing and storing up to 500 tons of fish. Trincomalee's Port City project has also got the nod of the investors with several entrepreneurs responding positively.

With the request for proposals closing recently for the Trincomalee Port project, both foreign and local investors in ship building and repair, cement bagging and the canned fish cannery had forwarded proposals for evaluation. The Ports Authority will be investing Rs. One billion is to provide infrastructure for these projects to get off the ground.

IPI Condemns Use of Anti-Terror Laws to Target Media

VIENNA Turkish security forces on June 26 conducted a raid at the offices of the Istanbul-based Güne_ News Agency as part of a large-scale operation against the underground Marxist-Leninist Communist Party (MLKP), according to news sources.  Police units carried out the search at the news agency, which oversees the technical affairs of Etkin News Agency and weekly newspaper At1l1m, at the behest of an Istanbul Court, it was reported. 

Security forces allegedly seized notes, archived material and personal belongings while holding 15 or so employees in their offices for several hours, without having produced detention orders. So far, the police have not publicly provided a foundation for the suspected link between the news outlets and the MLKP: according to an IPI media source in Turkey. 

Condemning the use of anti-terror laws against journalists, IPI’s Turkish National Committee released a statement saying: “We are hoping for changes to those articles of the law that give way to free speech and press violations. Accusations made against media outlets suggesting links to illegal organisations are nothing but tactics to pressure news agencies, newspapers and journalists into self-restraint.”

In response to the raid, the chairman of the Turkish Journalists’ Union and the Freedom for Journalists Platform, Ercan 0pekçi, criticised the increasing use of “anti-democratic measures” in the country. In a statement made on Wednesday he claimed there was no difference between the detention of journalists as terrorists, and the branding of press organisations as mouthpieces for illegal organisations, and he called for the amendment of existing laws.

Earlier this year, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) released a study indicating that the number of journalists imprisoned in Turkey has nearly doubled over the previous year, prompting the group to call for immediate reform of the country’s broadly interpreted anti-terror laws. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovi specifically denounced Articles 5 and 7 of the Anti-Terror Law, relating, in part, to propagandising on behalf of terrorist groups. The interpretative scope of those provisions is so wide, the report noted, that “media outlets reporting about sensitive issues (including terrorism or anti-government activities) are often regarded by the authorities as the publishing organs of illegal organizations”. It added: “Courts often consider reporting about such issues as equal to supporting them.”

Turkey has drawn widespread criticism for its failure to protect press freedom. Last November, a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) said Turkey had the worst press freedom record among all 47 member states of the Council of Europe. The South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) supports this statement.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Victory over the US

By Sajjad Shaukat

With the formal apology from the United States, saying “sorry” as expressed by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in relation to Salala incident which killed 24 soldiers on November 26, last year at Army outpost in Pakistan, Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) on July 3, allowed reopening of the NATO supply route across Pakistan to Afghanistan.

In this regard, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said on June 4 that the decision to reopen Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) into Afghan was unanimously taken by civil and military leadership in line with the parliamentary recommendations. She explained, “The NATO supply route was reopened but a super power had to “back down.”

Since May 2, 2011, Pak-US ties deteriorated when by violating Pakistan’s sovereignty, US commandos killed Osama Bin Laden in a covert military operation. Afterwards, American high officials and media started a baseless blame game against Pakistan, while using various pressure tactics. After the Salala event, without bothering for American duress, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership took stern measures such as blockage of NATO supply route, closure of Shamsi Airbase, boycott of second Bonn Conference.

Notably, when DCC met on May 15, 2012, most of Pakistan’s political leaders and TV anchors made clear-cut speculations that Islamabad would restore the NATO supply line before the Chicago summit, held in May 20-21 due to growing pressure of the US-led NATO countries, but DCC fixed no deadline in this respect. Some of them presumed that President Asif Ali Zardari would announce the decision of reopening these transport routes during the NATO meeting at Chicago.

On May 21, US President Barack Obama also met Pakistan’s President Zardari on the sidelines of NATO summit, amid widespread reports that the US deliberately pressurised Pakistani president to meet US-NATO demands for reopening the supply route. But President Zardari repeated Pakistan’s demand for US apology over the unprovoked Salala check post incident. All the speculations regarding the resumption of NATO transport routes proved untrue.

The major obstacle in reaching an agreement with US was that the latter was pressurising Islamabad for earlier restoration of NATO route unilaterally, while Pakistan wanted to discuss all the inter-related subjects like border’s coordination mechanism, apology by US over Salala incident etc. So, it was owing to US illogical approach that the negotiating teams of both the countries did not agree to each other’s demands.

Besides, as part of American duress, by reviving old blame game, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton allegedly stated that it was difficult to achieve peace in Afghanistan as long as there are safe havens for terrorists in Pakistan. Leon Panetta and some US officials also blamed Pakistan for the high profile terror-attacks in Afghanistan, occurred on April 15, this year. America also accelerated drone attacks on North Waziristan, which were also defended by Panetta. It is mentionable that a US Senate panel voted cuts in aid to Pakistan and threatened to withhold even more cash, if Islamabad did not reopen its supply routes for NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. Despite these coercive tactics, Islamabad did not deviate from its stance that the US must apologies for the killing of 24 soldiers in the Mohmand Agency.

Meanwhile, a number of US civil and top military officials including NATO commanders, visited Islamabad and met the former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, asking them for reopening the NATO routes. For example, on May 13, ISAF Commander Gen. John Allen and Afghan Gen. Muhammad Karimi attended a Tripartite Commission’s meeting in Rawalpindi. Gen. Kayani reiterated that parliament furnished its recommendations and civil government would decide on the issue of NATO supply. Even during recent talks, Gen. Kayani rejected an apology by ISAF commander Gen. John Allen, saying that the matter is not between two armed forces but between two states.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar reiterated that seeking apology from the US on Salala event was essential for reopening the NATO supplies. But top US officials time and again said that “apology is not possible.” The negotiating team from the US fails to fulfill Pakistani demand. Its result was a deadlock, and suspension of NATO supply line which continued for eight months.

Now, US has accepted Islamabad’s stand of apology and relations have improved between both the countries. No doubt, it is a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan over the sole superpower. But it is regrettable that like the previous presumptions, again leaders of the political parties like Imran Khan, Leader of opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Syed Munawar Hasan, head of Jamaat-i-Islami including other religious parties are criticising the Pak-US agreement for the sake of criticism. Thus, by misguiding the general masses through protests and rallies, their main aim is to increase their vote bank in the coming elections. While some of our media anchors and commentators are also opposing the positive deal of Pakistan with America.

Perhaps these internal elements are not acquainted with the principles of “realpolitik.” In these terms, bargaining leverage plays a key role when controversy arises over some issues between two countries. Unlike the major states, small countries are more vulnerable to the demands of big powers as our world system reflects unequal order, giving good leverage of bargaining to the US-led most developed countries. In this context, powerful states impose their decisions on the weak countries by using UN Security Council which has become a tool in their hands, sometimes to invade a hostile country or sometimes to impose sanctions. While, global financial institutes like IMF and World Bank are also in their control. So, economic aid is as another tool of major countries to bring small states to their favourable demands.

In this regard, Pakistan which has already been facing multiple crises of grave nature like subversive acts, political instability, economic uncertainty and acute financial problem was not in a position to annoy US-led NATO countries by showing unnecessary inflexibility. Otherwise, it could result in ‘isolation’ or economic sanctions, making Pakistan another Somalia.

However, NATO countries seek to adopt Pakistani routes for withdrawal of their troops and vehicles from Afghanistan as part of their exit strategy. So, it was not an issue between Pakistan and America alone as it also includes most developed countries of the NATO. Despite all of this, Pakistan’s civil and military leaders allowed the resumption of NATO supply lines after the US apology.

Nevertheless, this new relationship with US is likely to pave way for the reimbursement of Coalition Support Funds (CSF) and other foreign assistance including the Kerry-Lugar aid, providing some respite to country’s fragile external account and currency outlook. It would also increase the value of Rupee which was facing downward trends.

Unlike the opposition’s unrealistic approach, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has also remarked that Pakistan had not engaged in any ‘secret deal’ with the US for reopening the key supply routes. She openly said that Pakistan would continue talks with the US over drone attacks.

While US and other western members of NATO seek stability in Afghanistan in the post-2014 scenario, realising the fact that they need Pakistan’s help in this respect. So Islamabad would also convince America to stop predators’ strikes on its tribal areas.

Positive change in American policy could be judged from the fact that US Defence Secretary Panetta and various congressional leaders have welcomed Pakistan’s decision to re-open NATO supplies. Instead of entangling the general masses in the term, “sorry” or “apology,” our political leaders and media anchors must show realistic approach at this juncture, while Pakistan needs selfless unity in wake of multi-faceted crises.

Nonetheless Pakistan has its principled stance accepted which shows its diplomatic victory over the US.
Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

A despicable course

Mohammad Jamil

A course for US military officers at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia was meant to inculcate the spirit “to prepare for total war against Muslims, including “taking war to a civilian population wherever necessary”. The comments on Dresden, Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki come from instructor Lt. Col. Matthew Dooley’s presentation under the title “A Counter-Jihad Op Design Model.” The lecture made specific mention of targeting the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia. In view of the protests from the Muslims that make almost 30 per cent of the world population, the Pentagon suspended the course in late April.

The teaching in military course was contrary to the vows and repeated assertions by US officials over the past decade that “America is at war against Islamic extremists, not the religion itself”. However, the concept is not new. After 9/11 Bush had instinctively called the situation a ‘Crusade’, but he tried to gloss over the mistake, as he sought support of the Muslim countries to fight terrorism. He had also at least once said that Islam is a noble religion. Although contradictions between Christianity and Islam date back to more than 1000 years, yet they have coexisted in Europe and elsewhere.

Of course, there was resistance when imperialists occupied Muslim countries as in case of Iraq and Afghanistan. However, US intellectual and political scientist, Samuel P. Huntington’s thesis of a post-Cold War new world order floated the idea about inevitability of “The Clash of Civilizations”, published in the summer 1993 issue of the journal Foreign Affairs. Given its intellectual and doctrinal nature, had the negative impact on the governments and the people of the West. It was quite natural that when voices to fight Islamic fundamentalism were raised, radical Islamic groups retaliated and started stigmatizing the West. There is a perception that after defeating Communism, the US and the western countries were looking for another enemy to keep them united, and they created the myth of clash of civilizations. The target was now Islam, as they saw in Muslims the courage, steadfastness and the strength of their faith to defeat former super power Soviet Russia.

Anyhow, the crimes committed by US soldiers in Afghanistan—the homicidal rampages, the desecrations of corpses and the burning of Qur’an are not the acts of crazy and misguided people, as the Obama administration and the media make us believe. As regards, curriculum at Staff College at Norfolk, Virginia, the Pentagon suspended the course in late April when a student objected to the materials. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey described it against American values. President Barack Obama has been eulogizing Islam. On 6th April 2009 President Barack Obama, addressing the Turkish parliament on the final leg of his tour of Europe, declared that the United States was not, and never will be, at war with Islam. It was an effort to undo the damage caused by his predecessor former president Bush, who after 9/11 events had referred to the crusades – the war between Islam and Christianity. President Bush had set aside all his inhibitions to malign Muslims and Islam, euphemistically using terms like ‘a radical Islamic empire’ and ‘Islamic radicalism’.

In his address on 6th October 2005, then President Bush had said: “Islamic terrorist attacks serve a clear and focused ideology, a set of beliefs and goals that are evil, but not insane. Some call this evil Islamic radicalism; others, militant Jihadism; still others, Islamo-fascism. Whatever it’s called, this ideology is very different from the religion of Islam. This form of radicalism exploits Islam to serve a violent, political vision: the establishment, by terrorism and subversion and insurgency, of a totalitarian empire that denies all political and religious freedom.” One part of this statement negates the other, and this is a technique adopted by the western leaders and scholars to demonize Islam. Addressing the officers’ spouses at a luncheon at the Andrews Air Force Base, the then president had dwelt at length over the genesis of the problem of terrorism, and steps under way to root it out. He drew parallelism between Islam, communism and fascism. He had forgotten that during the Cold War era, almost all the Muslim countries were in the western camp and supported the US and its allies.

President Obama during his election campaign had vowed to help resolve Kashmir and Palestinian issues. “We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over so many centuries to shape the world for the better, including my own country,” Obama had said. The US president also voiced support for peace efforts in the Middle East, backing both the Annapolis agreement and the stalled roadmap that laid out the route to Israeli-Palestinian peace. “Let me be clear: the United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security,” he declared. Muslims throughout the world had pinned high hopes on President Obama that he would take urgent measures to ensure justice to the Muslim countries that have suffered death and destruction for the last 60 years. Palestinians and Kashmiris have been waiting for six decades to see that United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution would be implemented but despite promises made by almost each and every US administration, the issues and dispute remain unresolved. Palestinians and Kashmiris do not want promises but implementation of the UNSC resolutions.

If President Obama is sincere in what he says then he should not resort to rhetoric but give practical demonstration by translating his noble sentiments into action. One does not understand when he says that Pakistan and India should resolve their disputes bilaterally, knowing full well that intermittent negotiations held between India and Pakistan did not show any progress due to India’s intransigence. The primary objective to establish United Nations was to resolve the differences and contradictions between the nations. President Obama being well-versed in history must be knowing that the United Nations was established on the ruins of the League of Nations because the latter had failed to provide justice to the smaller and the weaker countries. And in case the United Nations does not fulfill its obligations, its fate will not be different to that of the League of Nations. Barack Obama is president of the sole super power, and he should not be influenced by the neocons, corporate capital and Israeli and Indian lobbies. He should try to justify the Nobel Prize bestowed upon him prematurely, and should try to make this world a safer place to live in.

TAT Participation in TTE, Kolkata

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi has joined hands with Gainwell, Unique Air Travels, the foremost travel companies in Kolkata and Thai Airways to participate in the TTE Chalo Jai Fair at Netaji Indoor Stadium & Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, Kolkata from 28th-30th June 2012.

Since travel is now increasingly becoming a lifestyle, travel has become a sought after pursuit for a relatively larger community of Indians, with this show, Thailand aims to capture the attention of the visitors and offer them the beautiful beaches, hotels, spas, shopping at the world’s biggest stores, restaurants, lounges in Krabi ,Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Khao Yai.and much more . The pristine beaches of Phuket create the perfect backdrop for the dream holiday.

Thailand has also become one of the most popular destinations for Indian weddings with respect to its proximity to India, beautiful locales and most importantly, its ability to cater to all requirements of an Indian wedding. Last year, Thailand played host to some of the grandest destination weddings from India and the trend is here to stay. Thailand provides the most exotic experience for the upscale and the luxury focused traveler. The destination creates the setting for a holiday straight from your dreams. With its world renowned hospitality to give you the extra special treatment and the scenic locations, Thailand is sure to be a favorite for the tasteful and the seasoned traveler as Thailand was the no. one outbound destination for Indian traveler in 2011 with more than 9lacks tourists.

“TAT received two Awards for the World’s Best Country for Leisure Holidays and The World’s Best Wedding Destination” while serving  all requirements of Indian tourists.

Special Promotion for Transit Passengers Flying on Thai Airways International!

Thai Airways International (India) and Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi (TAT) are jointly doing a special promotion for transit passengers traveling by Thai Airways from anywhere in India to any destination in the world. 

With this promotion, any Indian passengers transiting in Thailand for a night or more can rejuvenate and relax with a complimentary spa voucher at the RarinJinda Spa. Passengers can choose between a Classical Thai Massage, Foot reflexology and Aromatherapy Oil Massage. This offer is valid till October 31, 2012.

The offer can be availed at RarinJinda Wellness Spa, Changmai, RarinJinda Wellness Spa , Bangkok or RarinJinda, Wellness Spa, Phuket.

China reiterates prudent monetary policy for 2012

BEIJING- The central bank reiterated Friday that the country will continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy in 2012. The statement was released by the People's Bank of China after data showed that growth in the world's second-largest economy slowed for a sixth quarter, rising 7.6 percent year on year during the April-June period. China's economy is facing a complicated environment both at home and abroad and the government's macroeconomic regulations are challenged by increasing dilemmas, the central bank said, citing the downward pressure on economic growth and lower profits for some companies.

The central bank vowed to enhance the role of finance in supporting the real economy and beef up services to boost demand and the development of small enterprises. The country will move ahead with interest rate reforms and step up efforts to develop a market-oriented benchmark interest rate system, it said. It also pledged to improve the exchange rate formation mechanism for the yuan and maintain the basic stability of the currency while expanding the currency's use in cross-border trade settlement and investment.

To stabilize economic growth, the central bank last week announced cuts in benchmark interest rates for the second time in a month this year. It has also cut the reserve requirement ratio -- the amount of cash banks are required to hold as reserves -- three times since November to bolster the economy.

More Chinese bankers expect looser monetary policy

BEIJING- Nearly a third of Chinese bankers surveyed by the central bank believe the country will adopt a looser monetary policy in the third quarter as the economy loses steam, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said. In the second quarter, 32.4 percent of bankers expected a looser monetary policy for the next quarter, 25.7 percentage points higher than three months earlier, the PBOC said, citing results of a survey conducted among about 3,000 bankers.

Meanwhile, 38.9 percent of bankers considered the national economy "relatively cool" in the second quarter, up 9.4 percentage points from the first quarter, according to the PBOC survey. The index measuring bankers' confidence in the macro economy slumped 6.6 percentage points from the first quarter to 58.4 percent, the survey showed.

To buoy China's slowing economy, the PBOC has cut the reserve requirement ratio three times since late last year. It announced its first interest rate cut in more than three years earlier this month, as easing inflation gave the government more room to adjust its monetary policy to support growth. The country's consumer price index, a main gauge of inflation, rose 3 percent year on year in May, the slowest in 17 months, according to official data.

China's June new loan surges to 919.8 bln yuan

BEIJING - China's new yuan-denominated loans surged in June as the government moved to buoy the slowing economy. The June new yuan-denominated loans rose 285.9 billion yuan (about 45 billion U.S. dollars) year-on-year to 919.8 billion yuan, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), or the central bank, announced Thursday. PBOC data showed that new yuan-denominated loans in June hit a three-month high after reaching 1.01 trillion yuan in March.

M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 13.6 percent year-on-year to 92.5 trillion yuan at the end of June. The growth was faster than the 13.2-percent rate a month earlier, but lower than the 14-percent annual target set by the government for 2012. Preliminary data shows the country's social financing, a measure of funds raised by entities in the real economy, totaled 7.78 trillion yuan in the first six months, 13.5 billion yuan more than the same period of 2011. Last week, the central bank cut the benchmark interest rates for the second time in a month to stabilize growth in the country.

THAI Smile’s First Direct Flight Takes Off to Macau

THAI Smile, the new sub-brand service by Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), is proud to announce that THAI Smile’s first direct flight took off from Bangkok to Macau in the newly delivered Airbus 320-200 aircraft.

Mr. Chokchai Panyayong, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Business Development and also Acting President, said "THAI is pleased to introduce Macau as its first destination with roundtrip twice-daily flights from Bangkok. Thereafter, THAI Smile will operate roundtrip domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani and Chiang Mai-Phuket. The THAI Smile brand character Trendy- Friendly-Worthy reflects the new generation lifestyle of business travelers who seek a relaxed, stylish on board atmosphere, placing greater importance on smart choices with value for their money.”

On this auspicious occasion, Mr. Ampon Kittiampon, THAI’s Chairman of the Board of Directors presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony of the first departure flight TG750 from Suvarnabhumi Airport's Boarding Gate D5 to Macau International Airport. Upon the arrival of flight TG750, Miss Suning Liu, Executive Director Macau International Airport Co Ltd (CAM) graciously welcomed VIPs, guests, media and passengers traveling onboard.  The ribbon cutting ceremony of THAI Smile First Flight from Macau to Bangkok TG751 was led by Mr. Chulasingh Vasantasingh, THAI Board Member, together with    Mr. Pandit Chanapai, Executive Vice President of Commercial, Miss Suning Liu, Executive Director of Macau International Airport Co Ltd (CAM), Mr. Simon Chan, President of Civil Aviation Authority Macau (AACM), Mr. Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), and Mr. Chakri Srichawana, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate.

With an all new fleet of Airbus 320-200 aircraft, each THAI Smile flight can carry a total of 174 passengers, with the first five rows designated for‘Smile Plus’ short-haul business class service, providing extra pitch and enhanced service elements designed to appeal to a higher market segment. The aircraft type is ideally cost-effective for short to medium-haul routes. Passengers can appreciate the comfort of traveling in a flexible two-class cabin at affordable fares, which includes onboard snack and beverages, free pre-seating selection and counter check-in procedures, mileage accrual on the Royal Orchid Plus program, baggage allowance of 20 kilograms in economy class and 30 kilograms in Smile Plus class and connections to the THAI network worldwide. An added benefit is lounge access for Smile Plus passengers.

 Macau is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city has a long history with a good mixture of Chinese and Portuguese culture. THAI Smile flights to Macau will offer more travel alternatives, ease and comfort to passengers.

To know more information and study on friendly relations between Nepal and Islamic Republic of Pakistan
 Please contact :
The General Secretary
Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association
Post Box No. 285 Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal,
Phone : 4262426, Mobile : 9851024388
Email : manju_sakya@hotmail.com